Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti led a coalition of 17 state attorneys general in a comment letter opposing the Department of Energy’s direct final rule regulating consumer refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers.
The DOE’s rule, scheduled to be implemented on May 16, imposes new energy conservation standards for these consumer items.
The overreach of the administrative state continues — this time, into Tennesseans' kitchens.
— TN Attorney General (@AGTennessee) May 7, 2024
The Dept. of @Energy’s new rule regarding refrigerators & freezers will increase prices for TN families, reduce consumer choice, and ultimately result in more power for the federal… pic.twitter.com/SPIknOvrIV
Skrmetti and the coalition argue that the DOE’s rule “over-regulates American kitchens,” adding that the “most disconcerting” aspect of the rule is its “lack of consideration for the average consumer, who undoubtedly will be most affected by appliance price hikes due to the new regulations.”
The coalition also noted the DOE’s implementation process, noting that the department has refused to reverse course despite receiving dozens of formal comment letters with justifiable opposition to the rule.
